Eev . C . T . Bromwich , acting on behalf of the P . G . Chaplain , Bro the Eev . T . Orrell , delivered a short bnfc singularly happy and effective oration . Having referred to the recent remarkable development of Mark Masonry in Derbyshire , the Chaplain went on to express a fervent hope that the members

of the newly-formed Lodge might learn a lesson from that peaceful valley after which it was named . There they saw how all nature was subservient to the will of the great Overseer of the Universe . Everything had been begun in order , everything was conducted in peace , and everything in that beauteous world of nature was free from

strife aud discord . But if these results were to bo attained , the brethren must live up to the principles of their Order . If they did this , tho outside world , who were curious to know the characteristics of Masonry , would be heard to say : — "Wo do not know , we cannot tell , but we know those who are Masons are religions men , are

law-abiding citizens , men who are always willing to join in any good cause , and ready to help in time of need . " The Consecrating Officer subsequently installed Bro . Percy Wallis as first Worshipful Master of the new Lodge , and Bros . John Howell and Arthur Stubbs were invested as Senior and Junior Wardens respectively . The other

proceedings were of the moat agreeable character , it being intimated by more than one speaker that the creation of a Derbyshire Mark Province might be looked for at no distant date , although the brethren are loth to sever themselves from the genial rule ofthe E . W . Bro . Kelly , whose great service in the cause of Mark Masonry are so well

The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

THE ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .

npHE annual meeting of the Governors and Subscribers - ***• of this Institution was held on Friday , the 15 th instant , at Freemasons' Tavern , Great Queen-street , under the presidency of Bro , Raynham W . Stewart

P . G . D . The Report of the Committee of Management and the Statement of the Receipts and Expenditure ( both of which we append ) were adopted , and ordered to be entered on the minutes . Bro . 0 . H . Webb desired

to call attention to that portion of the Report which had reference to the candidates seeking admittance to the Institution , and to three of them whose ages exceed eighty-two years each . Many brethren would

no doubt like to see these old people admitted as annuitants at once . They had been on the list so many times that he felt something should be done for them—the chances weie they would not be elected . If the report could be amended

in this respect he was sure the meeting would adopt it , as the increase in the expenditure by such a course would be small . Bro . Terry read the rule applicable to the case , and said that taking candidates off the list and making them

annuitants could only be effected at the meeting of the Committee in June . They could not override the laws of the Institution , however much they might desire to aid these poor candidates . Brother Webb said he was sorry the

pnvelege had not been made use of since the year 1876 . He found it was adopted then . Bro . Terry s aid that any vacancies which occurred through death , and report of which reached the office up to the morning of the

election were filled up that day . The power Bro . Webb sought had not been exercised before the meeting in June . The Committee had fully considered the question , and had found they could not do what Bro . Webb desired . In

reply to Bro . Webb Bro . Terry said the three cases to which attention had beeu called had not been particularly considered . The following brethren were then elected as the Committee of Management for the year : —

Sustentation Fund . This concluded the special business offthejmeeting , tho poll was declared open , and the election was proceeded with .

The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

The Committee of Management has much pleasure in submitting a report of its proceedings , during fche pasfc year , fco the Governors and Subscribers of the Institution . The Annual Festival was held by direction of His Eoyal Highness the Prince of Wales , K . G ., & c , Grand Patron and President , on

furnished a grander illustration than this of the loyalty wifch whioh it fulfils its most solemn obligations . The Committee , in its Report of last ; year , pointed ont , with reference fco the ] sum ( £ 14 , 66513 s ) raised at the Festival in February 1884 , thafc ifc was " the largest amount ever contributed on a similar occasion , " in aid of the funds of the

Institution . Yet the total subscribed under the auspices of R . W . Bro . Sir Michael Hicks Beach , with the cordial assistance of the Board of Stewards ( especially of those hailing from his own Province ) , and the generous co-operation of the brethren generally , was in ex . cess of the total for 1884 by upwards of £ 3 , 000 . In such

oiroumstances it will be easily understood thafc the Committee is afc a loss for words to sufficiently express its gratitude fco fche R . W . Chairman and those who laboured so zealously and so successfully in aeouring this splendid result . The Committee has also to report that in consequence of the

suecess attendant upon the Festival , the sum of 100 guineas was presented to Bro . James Terry , in recognition of his great exertions to secure it , and of tho additional heavy duties which will devolve npon him in the future . At the Election in May 1884 , there were upon the Funds of the

Institution 352 annuitants , namely , 170 men and 182 widows , while to-day there are 118 candidates—42 men and 76 widows—whose respective claims to be received into tbe Institution have been mosfc carefully investigated and approved . In the face of a list so formidable in point of numbers , and having regard to the fact thafc only 16

vacancies , namely , 14 men and two widows , had occurred since fche last Election , the Committee decided at its meeting in February last upon increasing the number of annuitants still further by placing 3 more men and 10 more widows upon fche Fund , thus raising the aggregate of the two classes from 352 to 365 . Since then there

have died four men and one widow , so thafc the numbers to be elected to-day on the respective Funds , exclusive of the three deferred annuitants on each , would be 21 men and 13 widows . Having regard to tho brilliant success of the Festival , and in the exercise of what it conscientiously believes will be found a sound discretion , the

Committee consider themselves justified in recommending to the Governors and Subscribers in Annual General Meeting assembled to elect 10 more widows , so thafc in the event of this recommendation being adopted , tho full number to be elected will be 24 men and 26 widows , the aggregate on the two Funds being thus increased from 352 to

375 , nnd the amount annually required towards their support from £ 12 , 624 to £ 13 , 384 . Ifc must also be borne in mind that a further annual sum of £ 420 will be needed in order to provide the half annuities assigned by law to 21 widows , and payable during the first three years of their widowhood . Thus the total sum to be expended

for annuities alone will be £ 13 , 804 . The Committee , however , in taking upon itself the responsibility of recommending this increase , is desirous of impressing npon fche Governors and Subscribers , as well as upon fche Craffc generally , thafc tho continuance of solanrean expenditure for Annuities will only

be possible in the event of the Institution continuing to receive thafc generous measure of support which has been extended to it as heretofore . The Committee nevertheless expresses its confident hope that upon these facts becoming generally known to the Craffc the necessary assistance will be forthcoming to enable it fco extend the

good work for which the Institntion was established . The Committe take this opportunity of expressing its thanks to the United Grand Lodge for its renewed vote of £ 70 towards providing the residents of the Institution at Croydon wifch Coal during the Winter months .

Ifc is desirous also of conveying its most cordial thanks to the Honorary Surgeons of the Institution , Henry J . Stroner , Esq ., M . D ., and R . Percy Middlemist , Esq ., for their great kindness and nnremitting attention to those among the Annuitants who have had occasion to seek medical advice and assistance .

They are likewise pleased at being in a position to report thafc the building afc Croydon is in a complete state of repair , subject to those ordinary cleansings which are periodically necessary in all suoh buildings , and that the recent introduction of gas and other improve , ments has had the effect of increasing the comfort and convenience

of fche Residents . The Committee considers ifc would nofc be properly discharging its duty if ifc did not take this opportunity of placing on record its deep sense of regrefc at the death of Lient .-Colonel Creaton ( J . P . ) , Pasfc Grand Treasurer of England , aud a Patron and oue of the Trustees of

tho Institution . Dnring a connection with the Charity extending over very many years , Lieut .-Colonel Creaton always showed himself mosfc assiduous and earnest in hia endeavours to promote its welfare , ancl ifc feels it is only an act of justice thafc ifc should offer this heartfelfc tribute of respect to his memory .

The Committee also wishes to express its sorrow at the death of Bro . James Norris , Warden of the Institution at Croydon . Bro . Norris faithfully and efficiently discharged the duties of hisoffice during a period of 16 years , and is succeeded by his daughter , Miss Norris , who , as Matron , had shared with him the responsibilities of regulating

and directing the interior arrangements of the Asylum afc Croydon . In submitting the audited statement of accounts for the pasfc year , the Committee is satisfied ifc will be found to disclose a wise

and economical administration of the funds of the Institution , and ifc appeals , as well to the Craft generally as to the Governors and Subscribers in particular , for a continuance of their support and encouragement , thereby enabling the Committee to discharge its arduous

Eev . C . T . Bromwich , acting on behalf of the P . G . Chaplain , Bro the Eev . T . Orrell , delivered a short bnfc singularly happy and effective oration . Having referred to the recent remarkable development of Mark Masonry in Derbyshire , the Chaplain went on to express a fervent hope that the members

of the newly-formed Lodge might learn a lesson from that peaceful valley after which it was named . There they saw how all nature was subservient to the will of the great Overseer of the Universe . Everything had been begun in order , everything was conducted in peace , and everything in that beauteous world of nature was free from

strife aud discord . But if these results were to bo attained , the brethren must live up to the principles of their Order . If they did this , tho outside world , who were curious to know the characteristics of Masonry , would be heard to say : — "Wo do not know , we cannot tell , but we know those who are Masons are religions men , are

law-abiding citizens , men who are always willing to join in any good cause , and ready to help in time of need . " The Consecrating Officer subsequently installed Bro . Percy Wallis as first Worshipful Master of the new Lodge , and Bros . John Howell and Arthur Stubbs were invested as Senior and Junior Wardens respectively . The other

proceedings were of the moat agreeable character , it being intimated by more than one speaker that the creation of a Derbyshire Mark Province might be looked for at no distant date , although the brethren are loth to sever themselves from the genial rule ofthe E . W . Bro . Kelly , whose great service in the cause of Mark Masonry are so well

The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

THE ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .

npHE annual meeting of the Governors and Subscribers - ***• of this Institution was held on Friday , the 15 th instant , at Freemasons' Tavern , Great Queen-street , under the presidency of Bro , Raynham W . Stewart

P . G . D . The Report of the Committee of Management and the Statement of the Receipts and Expenditure ( both of which we append ) were adopted , and ordered to be entered on the minutes . Bro . 0 . H . Webb desired

to call attention to that portion of the Report which had reference to the candidates seeking admittance to the Institution , and to three of them whose ages exceed eighty-two years each . Many brethren would

no doubt like to see these old people admitted as annuitants at once . They had been on the list so many times that he felt something should be done for them—the chances weie they would not be elected . If the report could be amended

in this respect he was sure the meeting would adopt it , as the increase in the expenditure by such a course would be small . Bro . Terry read the rule applicable to the case , and said that taking candidates off the list and making them

annuitants could only be effected at the meeting of the Committee in June . They could not override the laws of the Institution , however much they might desire to aid these poor candidates . Brother Webb said he was sorry the

pnvelege had not been made use of since the year 1876 . He found it was adopted then . Bro . Terry s aid that any vacancies which occurred through death , and report of which reached the office up to the morning of the

election were filled up that day . The power Bro . Webb sought had not been exercised before the meeting in June . The Committee had fully considered the question , and had found they could not do what Bro . Webb desired . In

reply to Bro . Webb Bro . Terry said the three cases to which attention had beeu called had not been particularly considered . The following brethren were then elected as the Committee of Management for the year : —

Sustentation Fund . This concluded the special business offthejmeeting , tho poll was declared open , and the election was proceeded with .

The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

The Committee of Management has much pleasure in submitting a report of its proceedings , during fche pasfc year , fco the Governors and Subscribers of the Institution . The Annual Festival was held by direction of His Eoyal Highness the Prince of Wales , K . G ., & c , Grand Patron and President , on

furnished a grander illustration than this of the loyalty wifch whioh it fulfils its most solemn obligations . The Committee , in its Report of last ; year , pointed ont , with reference fco the ] sum ( £ 14 , 66513 s ) raised at the Festival in February 1884 , thafc ifc was " the largest amount ever contributed on a similar occasion , " in aid of the funds of the

Institution . Yet the total subscribed under the auspices of R . W . Bro . Sir Michael Hicks Beach , with the cordial assistance of the Board of Stewards ( especially of those hailing from his own Province ) , and the generous co-operation of the brethren generally , was in ex . cess of the total for 1884 by upwards of £ 3 , 000 . In such

oiroumstances it will be easily understood thafc the Committee is afc a loss for words to sufficiently express its gratitude fco fche R . W . Chairman and those who laboured so zealously and so successfully in aeouring this splendid result . The Committee has also to report that in consequence of the

suecess attendant upon the Festival , the sum of 100 guineas was presented to Bro . James Terry , in recognition of his great exertions to secure it , and of tho additional heavy duties which will devolve npon him in the future . At the Election in May 1884 , there were upon the Funds of the

Institution 352 annuitants , namely , 170 men and 182 widows , while to-day there are 118 candidates—42 men and 76 widows—whose respective claims to be received into tbe Institution have been mosfc carefully investigated and approved . In the face of a list so formidable in point of numbers , and having regard to the fact thafc only 16

vacancies , namely , 14 men and two widows , had occurred since fche last Election , the Committee decided at its meeting in February last upon increasing the number of annuitants still further by placing 3 more men and 10 more widows upon fche Fund , thus raising the aggregate of the two classes from 352 to 365 . Since then there

have died four men and one widow , so thafc the numbers to be elected to-day on the respective Funds , exclusive of the three deferred annuitants on each , would be 21 men and 13 widows . Having regard to tho brilliant success of the Festival , and in the exercise of what it conscientiously believes will be found a sound discretion , the

Committee consider themselves justified in recommending to the Governors and Subscribers in Annual General Meeting assembled to elect 10 more widows , so thafc in the event of this recommendation being adopted , tho full number to be elected will be 24 men and 26 widows , the aggregate on the two Funds being thus increased from 352 to

375 , nnd the amount annually required towards their support from £ 12 , 624 to £ 13 , 384 . Ifc must also be borne in mind that a further annual sum of £ 420 will be needed in order to provide the half annuities assigned by law to 21 widows , and payable during the first three years of their widowhood . Thus the total sum to be expended

for annuities alone will be £ 13 , 804 . The Committee , however , in taking upon itself the responsibility of recommending this increase , is desirous of impressing npon fche Governors and Subscribers , as well as upon fche Craffc generally , thafc tho continuance of solanrean expenditure for Annuities will only

be possible in the event of the Institution continuing to receive thafc generous measure of support which has been extended to it as heretofore . The Committee nevertheless expresses its confident hope that upon these facts becoming generally known to the Craffc the necessary assistance will be forthcoming to enable it fco extend the

good work for which the Institntion was established . The Committe take this opportunity of expressing its thanks to the United Grand Lodge for its renewed vote of £ 70 towards providing the residents of the Institution at Croydon wifch Coal during the Winter months .

Ifc is desirous also of conveying its most cordial thanks to the Honorary Surgeons of the Institution , Henry J . Stroner , Esq ., M . D ., and R . Percy Middlemist , Esq ., for their great kindness and nnremitting attention to those among the Annuitants who have had occasion to seek medical advice and assistance .

They are likewise pleased at being in a position to report thafc the building afc Croydon is in a complete state of repair , subject to those ordinary cleansings which are periodically necessary in all suoh buildings , and that the recent introduction of gas and other improve , ments has had the effect of increasing the comfort and convenience

of fche Residents . The Committee considers ifc would nofc be properly discharging its duty if ifc did not take this opportunity of placing on record its deep sense of regrefc at the death of Lient .-Colonel Creaton ( J . P . ) , Pasfc Grand Treasurer of England , aud a Patron and oue of the Trustees of

tho Institution . Dnring a connection with the Charity extending over very many years , Lieut .-Colonel Creaton always showed himself mosfc assiduous and earnest in hia endeavours to promote its welfare , ancl ifc feels it is only an act of justice thafc ifc should offer this heartfelfc tribute of respect to his memory .

The Committee also wishes to express its sorrow at the death of Bro . James Norris , Warden of the Institution at Croydon . Bro . Norris faithfully and efficiently discharged the duties of hisoffice during a period of 16 years , and is succeeded by his daughter , Miss Norris , who , as Matron , had shared with him the responsibilities of regulating

and directing the interior arrangements of the Asylum afc Croydon . In submitting the audited statement of accounts for the pasfc year , the Committee is satisfied ifc will be found to disclose a wise

and economical administration of the funds of the Institution , and ifc appeals , as well to the Craft generally as to the Governors and Subscribers in particular , for a continuance of their support and encouragement , thereby enabling the Committee to discharge its arduous